The most likely solution for vintage cars at the moment seem to be specific types of synthetic fuels, namely electrofuels, also commonly known as e-fuels. In theory, the EU’s ban on combustion engines, which will come into effect in 2035, will only affect newly registered vehicles, but drivers of vintage cars are also starting to consider their options.
Dan Medinger, president of the Luxembourg Federation of Vintage Cars, commented: “People are concerned because of the mechanics. But, vintage cars usually don’t have to be redesigned as the fuel is identical to the regular one. With the advantage of not containing ethanol.”
The Federation unites no fewer than 60 individual clubs. Members are generally open to new technologies and acknowledge the advantages of e-fuels, says Medinger: “There is no impact on the environment. CO2 is being transformed and reused.”
The problem is that the production of synthetic fuel requires a lot of electricity, which in return could be used to fuel electric vehicles. However, remodeling the vintage cars to use electric engines is not an option, according to enthusiast Jim Wirtz: “That would take away the origin of the car. My feeling is that this is not an optimal solution.”
E-fuels are still rather expensive at the moment. According to German automobile association ADAC, the production of a litre costs €4.50. To that you have to add the CO2 tax. Still, experts believe that e-fuels will become cheaper if demand goes up. Porsche, for instance, is researching e-fuels and estimates that the long-term litre cost will be €1.90.
Krier argues that the Luxembourg government should invest in e-fuels: “It has an economic aspect after all. It is imaginable that new industries and garages that research e-fuels here in Luxembourg might open up.”
When asked about criticism from climate activists, members of the Federation drew attention to the fact that their vintage cars are not circulating much and that they are considered cultural heritage.
